While most people consider dental health part of their overall health, very few people understand the impact that oral health can have on mental health. Mental health and oral health are interlinked and feature a direct impact on each other.
Poor oral health often results in self-esteem problems and social anxieties. A research study published on 6th January 2021 showed that young adults with psychological distress – such as general anxiety and social phobia – had poor oral health behavior.
Poor oral health and poor mental health create a cycle and often drag each other down. In this detailed guide, we will help you understand the connection between oral health and dental health.
How Mental Health Affects Oral Health
A research study published in 2020 determined that people with serious mental health issues face a greater likelihood – up to 2.8 times higher than healthy people – of losing all their teeth. The research also showed that people with poor mental health have a higher risk of having decayed and missing teeth.
From this research, you may want to know how mental health causes all these oral health problems. Below, we will take a look at 5 ways through which mental health can impact your oral health:
1. Poor Nutrition Worsens Oral Health
People with depression, anxiety, and other types of mental illnesses may not feel like eating. What’s more, people dealing with mental health issues tend to consume more sugary beverages and treats to make themselves feel better. According to a research study published in 2004, sugary foods are one of the leading causes of dental health problems, including tooth decay and cavities.
People with eating disorders and poor nutrition often have low calcium levels. Inadequate calcium often weakens the enamel surface on their teeth. If not treated early enough with fluoride and other medical interventions, a weak enamel surface often increases the risk of cavities.
2. Poor Mental Health Causes Dental Anxiety
While people without mental health problems may have dental anxiety, the condition is more pronounced in individuals with mental health issues. People with an anxiety disorder may avoid seeing their dentist even for a procedure as simple as teeth whitening.
When mental health problems make someone avoid seeing a dentist, this can easily lead to cavities, gum disease, and other major dental health problems.
3. Poor Mental Health Makes Healthy Oral Routines Impossible
Depression – and other mental health problems – can make someone feel unmotivated and tired. Often, people dealing with mental health issues find it extremely hard to perform basic tasks like flossing and brushing.
Also, depression can make cooking healthy meals impossible. This often drives people with depression to eat foods that often damage their dental health.
4. Smoking, Alcohol, and Other Damaging Drugs
According to a research study published online in 2009, people with poor mental health often turn to drugs to numb their pain. People with anxiety and depression often consume too much alcohol. Research shows that drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of gum disease.
What’s more, the CDC notes that drinking alcohol raises the risk of getting 6 kinds of cancers. These include cancer of the throat and mouth, cancer of the larynx (voice box), cancer of the esophagus, cancer of the rectum and colon, cancer of the liver, and breast cancer in women.
5. Mental Health Medications May Cause Dry Mouth
Some of the medications used by people with mental health problems – such as antidepressants – often have a dry mouth as one of their side effects. The ADA notes that dry mouth – which is also known as Xerostomia – may increase the risk of periodontal disease.
How Oral Health Affects Mental Health
As noted earlier, mental health and oral health feature a cyclic relationship – that is, one affects the other and vise versa. The effects of poor oral health on mental health often show up in the form of depression and social anxiety.
For starters, poor oral health affects speech, which tends to cause social anxiety. What’s more, the bad breath that is often caused by poor oral health tends to exacerbate social anxiety.
People with poor oral health socialize less. This often impacts their mental health and may push them towards depression.
People with poor oral health smile less – bad breath, yellowing teeth, or missing teeth often make smiling impossible. A study published in Scientific American determined that facial expressions – such as smiling – can increase positive thoughts and improve one’s mood. This means that not smiling can have negative impacts on your mental health.
Do More for Your Mental Health: Improve Mental Health with Invisible Teeth Aligners
It is not uncommon for crooked teeth to have the same effects as poor oral health. People with crooked teeth smile less often, tend to isolate themselves, avoid public speaking, have social anxiety, and avoid conversations. All these issues impact mental health negatively.
Luckily for people with crooked or misaligned teeth, Straight Teeth Invisible has the tools – and experience – needed to provide a permanent solution. Using invisible teeth aligners, the orthodontists at Straight Teeth Invisible will straighten your teeth, giving you the best smile.
Straight Teeth Invisible deals with its patients on a case by cases basis. When you book your FREE e-consultation, a specialized orthodontist will be assigned to your case.
The orthodontist will help you choose the right transparent teeth aligners, ensure perfect installation of the dental braces, and ensure perfect adjustments through the orthodontic treatment period. By the end of the teeth straightening procedure, your smile will leave a positive imprint on everyone you talk to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I keep my oral health from affecting my mental health negatively?
Taking care of your gums and teeth is the best way to keep your oral health from affecting your mental health negatively. Some of the steps you can take to improve your oral health include:
Brush 2 times per day with fluoride toothpaste.
Use dental floss at least once per day.
Stop drinking alcohol. Alternatively, reduce your alcohol consumption.
Cut back on sugary drinks and foods.
Regularly visit your dentist’s office.
Eat calcium-rich foods.
How can I manage my mental health and keep it from affecting my oral health?
To improve your mental health, you can take the following vital steps:
Exercise – Working out boosts your self-esteem and changes the chemicals in your brain, improving your mood.
Connect with people – Having good relationships creates a sense of belonging and can help you find the support you need.
Practice mindfulness – Training your mind to always be in the present moment can make you calm, focused, and give you a sense of well-being.
See a therapist – If you have advanced mental health issues, a therapist can help with management and treatment.
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